Popular excursions in Cozumel
Things to do in Cozumel
Cozumel is a Caribbean island off Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, and it is best known for its reefs. A day here suits snorkelers and divers most of all, with reef sites a short boat ride from the piers and the main reef park just offshore. Beaches, Maya ruins and a walk through San Miguel fill out a day ashore.
What Cozumel is known for
Pick one to see the best places, trips and tips.
Cozumel at a glance
Cozumel is a long island of reefs, beach clubs, and Maya ruins. Choose a place to see it, and the trips that go there will follow.
Most spots lie south or southwest of the cruise docks, along the island's western coast road. Downtown San Miguel and the Cozumel Museum are a short ride away, while San Gervasio sits inland to the east.
Popular excursions in Cozumel
Booked with our partner Shore Excursions Group. Prices are per person.
Dolphin Swim Adventure at Chankanaab National Marine Park
Jungle Jeep Adventure to Mayan Caverns and Snorkel
Goes to Jade Cavern
More things to do in Cozumel
Look out over the southern coast from Punta Sur and the Celarain lighthouse, reached by taxi or off-road tour.
Swim and sit on the west-side beaches at Playa Palancar, Chankanaab and Paradise Beach, all reached by taxi.
Walk among the plazas and temples of San Gervasio, the island's most important Maya site, reached by taxi or rental car.
Book a deep-sea charter for tuna, wahoo or sailfish out of Puerto Abrigo Marina.
Sail to the reefs and sandbar at El Cielo or Turtle Bay on a catamaran trip of four to six hours.
Ride a jeep or RZR convoy of about five hours through jungle trails and backroads to the beaches.
Swim in the freshwater cenote at Jade Cavern, reached by jeep or ATV through jungle trails.
Eat your way through San Miguel on a cantina, taco or cooking tour lasting three to five hours.
Look for iguanas, crocodiles and birds at Punta Sur or Chankanaab, or join a guided birding walk.
Take a guided island tour of four to five and a half hours with stops at beaches, ruins and downtown.
Arriving and getting around
Arriving by ship
Ships dock at the downtown piers or at a larger pair of piers about two miles south of San Miguel. On very busy days some ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to downtown docks, so check how your ship is berthed. Downtown, you can walk into San Miguel. From the south piers, taxis wait at the exit to take you into town, and the Chankanaab taxi ride from the main terminals takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Getting around Cozumel
Getting around takes some planning. There is no public transit out of town, so you walk, take a taxi or rent a car or scooter. Taxis are always available, and their fares depend on distance and number of passengers, so agree on a price before you get in. Taxis also run to the west-shore beaches. Renting a car is the best way to reach Punta Sur and the east coast, where the beaches are windward and the surf is strong.
Cozumel is a popular cruise port from December through April, when several large ships may arrive on the same day. Mornings are the calmest time at Chankanaab, and they are also the least crowded.
Good to know
- Taxis within town charge a fixed range, but ask the fare before you ride. Many businesses take US dollars at a poor exchange rate, so pay in pesos when you can.
- Beware of pushy touts near the docks selling car rentals, activities and timeshares. You can say no and keep walking.
- Scooters are best left to experienced riders. Most tourist traffic accidents involve scooters, and potholes are often unmarked.
- Swimming on the east side can be very dangerous. Check the flags and never swim alone.
- Cameras are not allowed in the swim-with-animals area at Chankanaab.
Questions
How far is Chankanaab from the cruise pier?
Chankanaab Park is about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi from the main cruise terminals. Taxis wait just outside the port gates, and you can tell any local taxi driver to go to Chankanaab.
Can I snorkel in Cozumel on a day in port?
Yes. Chankanaab has a shallow, sand-entry reef, and Playa Palancar is a taxi ride south of San Miguel. Chankanaab charges a park entry fee, and snorkel gear is not included in basic entry.
Do I need to be certified to dive in Cozumel?
Boat dives need certification. Dive shops offer discover-scuba sessions for people who are not yet certified, and most shops also offer training for beginners.
Sailings that stop in Cozumel
1,478 sailings on 19 cruise lines call here in the next twelve months. Totals are for two guests, taxes included.
Margaritaville Islander
Disney Fantasy
Norwegian Epic
Enchantment of the Seas
Scuba diving elsewhere
Sources: Chankanaab Park Cozumel · Mexican Caribbean · Cozumel, Wikivoyage
Photo: Ken Thomas, Public domain
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